A blog about my experiences with Manos The Hands of Fate as the only surviving cast or crew willing to talk about it. Author of "Growing Up With Manos The Hands Of Fate" and producer of the sequel "Manos Returns"

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Monday, February 13, 2017

I was in The Worst Movie Ever Made

My name is Jackey Neyman Jones and I was in “The Worst Movie Ever Made”.

I am not only one of the last surviving actors of Manos: The Hands Of Fate , but the only
one willing to talk about it, living in
the belief that if I can’t be the best, I’ll make the best from the worst.

I played Debbie, the child star of Manos. My dad Tom Neyman played the lead role of The
Master and was Creative Director, making all the props
and artwork while mom designed and sewed the iconic Masters Robe along with the
wrestling wives ethereal gauzy gowns. Our
family pet, Shanka the Doberman was cast a role as The Master’s evil dog. Even Great Grandma’s handmade quilt made an
appearance on the bed, making it truly a family film to me.

Manos: The Hands of Fate
is a 1966 El Paso, Texas horror movie written directed and produced by Harold
Warren and often taught in film classes as “Everything Not to do in filmmaking”. From the camera work, editing, direction,
script, acting and nearly everything else, it is one of the most notably inept
films in existence and yet it’s certain charm has not only captured but held a
fervent fan base since a public debut on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1993. Since then, Manos has inspired a wide range
of talented projects including but certainly not limited to a Portland Oregon parody
stage production, a Seattle Washington Puppet show “Manos The Hands of Felt,
video games, two coloring books, a remastered version of the original, a
prequel, and a sequel.

While November 15th 2016 marked the 50th
anniversary of the disastrous premiere, a week later on November 23rd , Manos was named the Fan Favorite of
All Time by MST3k hosts Joel Hodgson and
Jonah Ray on their Annual Turkey Day Awards Marathon show.

I have lovingly
tended to the flame of Manos for years through online connections to fans,
Manos related creative projects and now my new book, Growing up with Manos The Hands of Fate with foreword written by
Joel Hodgson creator of MST3K. I also
make public appearances at film festivals, conventions, book signings and
screenings of the remastered version of Manos: The Hands of Fate where I share
my personal memories with reminiscences of the cast and crew, telling
behind-the-scenes story of Manos – from producer/director Hal Warren’s alleged
bet with TV producer Stirling Silliphant that “anyone could make a movie,” to
the tragic suicide of actor John Reynolds, who played Torgo, right up through
the newest Manos-related projects that are carrying the film into the Internet
age. I share the story of how the original
workprint was discovered and transformed to the remastered HD Blu-ray of the
film. How a Kickstarter funded indie
sequel Manos Returns, produced,
directed and written by women is bridging the male centric Manos of the 60’s
with current fans and culture in a story that is relevant today. I debunk myths (no, a Manos curse didn’t
kill all the actors, despite the claims in the Hotel Torgo documentary), and
share related pop culture facts (I also appeared as an extra in another MST3K film,
“The Curse of Bigfoot”).

I am currently seeking new opportunities to share Manos with
fans in various venues and at a range of events. If this sounds interesting and if you know an
event where I would be a good fit, please let me know. Maybe I can come visit with you and Manos: The Hands of Fate fans in your area.

It’s been called the “worst movie ever made” – and Jackey Neyman Jones is not only one of its last

She played the part of the little girl Debbie in Manos, The Hands of Fate in 1966 and today, Jackey, an artist living in Oregon,
lovingly tends to the flame of Manos—with her new book, Growing up with Manos
The Hands of Fate, BearMedia Publishing,
foreword written by Joel Hodgson creator of MST3K, and she is making
public appearances at film festivals, conventions, book signings and screenings
of the remastered version of Manos: The Hands of Fate.